Aleutian Islands
The Aleutian Islands are a volcanic chain in southwest Alaska, known for active volcanoes, World War II sites and seabird colonies, where weather can change plans quickly.
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The Aleutian Islands are a chain of 14 main volcanic islands and 55 smaller ones, reaching about 1,200 miles (1,900 km) west from the Alaska Peninsula toward Kamchatka. Most belong to the U.S. state of Alaska. Unalaska Island is the most populated, and the town of Unalaska was home to 4,254 of the 7,152 people counted on the islands in the 2020 census. The chain sits on the northern edge of the Pacific Ring of Fire, with 57 volcanoes, so eruptions and earthquakes are common.
Trees are almost absent, so the land is mostly grasses, shrubs and flowering plants. The climate is oceanic, with cool summers, heavy rain and near-constant fog. Unalaska gets about 250 rainy days a year. The growing season runs from early May to late September, so plan trips for that window. Birders will find large seabird colonies, and history readers can trace the Japanese occupation of Attu and Kiska in June 1942. Allow spare days, because strong winds and fog can change plans quickly.
Aleutian Islands in five
- Fly in from Anchorage and build buffer daysUnalaska and Dutch Harbor are reached by scheduled flights from Anchorage; fog and wind cause delays. Add spare days at both ends and check current carriers.
- Book rooms months aheadLodging is limited and fishing-season workers fill rooms. Reserve early, and ask what is included before you book.Anchorage as a gateway
- Pack for wind, rain and cold, even in summerHighs rarely pass 15°C (59°F). Waterproof layers, sturdy shoes and a warm hat matter more than anything else on the list.
- Visit the World War II history sitesThe Aleutian World War II National Historic Area at Unalaska preserves bunkers, a museum and trails. Check with the National Park Service or local museums for current access.Aleutian WWII site (NPS)
- Clear entry paperwork before the Anchorage connectionFlights to Unalaska connect through Anchorage, so an ESTA or visa must be approved before your first US flight. Apply only on the official CBP site.ESTA explained
Things to do in Aleutian Islands
See all attractions in Aleutian Islands
Need to know
- Airport
- Unalaska Airport (DUT), served by flights from Anchorage
- Getting there
- Fly from Anchorage; check carriers and ferry schedules before booking
- Getting around
- Taxis, a few rentals and walking around Unalaska; no roads between islands
- Best base
- Unalaska and Dutch Harbor
- Time needed
- 4 to 6 days, with a weather buffer
Weather by month
- Best
- Good
- Mixed
- Poor
- JanuaryStorms, dark
- FebruaryStorms, cold
- MarchCold, windy
- AprilCold, windy
- MayBirds arrive
- JuneLong days, fog
- JulyBest weather
- AugustBest weather
- SeptemberRain, wind
- OctoberStorms begin
- NovemberStorms, dark
- DecemberStorms, dark
Right now in Aleutian Islands
Local time, today's weather and the exchange rate, refreshed through the day.
7
- Feels like
- 4°
- Humidity
- 79%
- Wind
- 9 km/h
- Chance of rain
- 98%
Aleutian Islands
01:00 PM
Monday, November 2
- Today8°3°98%Monday: Drizzle. High 8°, Low 3°. Chance of rain 98%.
- Tue6°2°86%Tuesday: Drizzle. High 6°, Low 2°. Chance of rain 86%.
- Wed4°1°59%Wednesday: Drizzle. High 4°, Low 1°. Chance of rain 59%.
- Thu3°-1°58%Thursday: Snow. High 3°, Low -1°. Chance of rain 58%.
- Fri4°-4°32%Friday: Snow. High 4°, Low -4°. Chance of rain 32%.
- Sat5°-1°22%Saturday: Snow. High 5°, Low -1°. Chance of rain 22%.
- Sun4°-1°56%Sunday: Drizzle. High 4°, Low -1°. Chance of rain 56%.
Updated 12:50 PM local time · Weather data by Open-Meteo.com
Money
Mid-market rate1 EUR = 1.116 USD
Rates from Nov 2, 2026 · Rates By Exchange Rate API
Day trips by train
- Anchorageabout 2 hours by airThe gateway city for flights to the islands.Read the guide
- Mount Ballyhooabout 30 to 60 min by car and on footA hill with WWII remnants and sweeping harbor views.
- Summer Bayabout 15 min by carA bay with a beach, a trail and views of the hills.
Before you go to Aleutian Islands
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Rules for Aleutian Islands, checked
- Alaska is a U.S. state, so U.S. entry rules apply to everyone who enters; check entry requirements on travel.state.gov before you fly.
- Volcanic activity is common here, so check current volcanic alerts from the Alaska Volcano Observatory (avo.alaska.edu) before you travel and again before you fly out.
- Most islands are in the Alaska Maritime National Wildlife Refuge; ask the refuge office about access and landing rules before you plan any trip to a remote island.
- Air and ferry links are limited and weather can change quickly, so keep a flexible itinerary and check current schedules with the carrier or the Alaska Marine Highway.
Plan around Aleutian Islands
Parks, cities and the rules every visitor needs
Read the guideAnchorageThe gateway city, with flights west
Read the guideJuneauAlaska's capital, reachable by ferry or plane
Read the guideKetchikanSoutheast Alaska's first stop by cruise ship
Read the guideESTA, explainedWho needs it, the fee and how to apply
Read the guideAleutian Islands FAQ
How do you get to the Aleutian Islands?
Fly from Anchorage to Unalaska, which serves Dutch Harbor. Ferries run on limited seasonal schedules. Check carriers and sailing dates before you book, as weather can delay both.
Is the Aleutian Islands trip worth it?
It is for independent travelers who want a remote, windswept place with WWII history and wildlife. It is not for people who need packed schedules or luxury lodging.
When is the best time to visit the Aleutian Islands?
June to August has the mildest weather and the longest days. Fog, wind and rain are common year-round, and winter storms disrupt flights.
How many days do you need in the Aleutians?
Four to six days give you time for Unalaska, the WWII sites and weather delays. Shorter trips risk spending most of the time waiting for flights.
Can you visit the Aleutians by cruise ship?
Some expedition cruises include Unalaska and other islands. Check itineraries and conditions with the operator, as stops depend on weather.